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General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed (Codex Stan 193-1995)

Aflatoxins, Total

Reference to JECFA 32 ( 1988 ) , 46 ( 1997 ) , 49 ( 1999 ) , 68 ( 2007 )
Toxicological guidance valueCarcinogenic potency estimates for aflatoxins B, G, M (1997, Intake should be reduced to levels as low as reasonably possible)
Contaminant definitionAflatoxins total (B1 +B2 + G1 + G2)
SynonymsAbbreviations, AFB, AFG, with numbers, to designate specific compounds
Related code of practiceCode of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Peanuts (CAC/RCP 55-2004)
Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Tree Nuts (CAC/RCP 59-2005)
Code of Practice for the Reduction of Aflatoxin B1 in Raw Materials and Supplemental Feedingstuffs for Milk-Producing Animals (CAC/RCP 45-1997)
Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Dried Figs (CAC/RCP 65-2008)

Commodity/Product Name Maximum Level (ML) mg/kg Portion of the Commodity/Product to which the ML/GL applies Notes/Remarks
Almonds
0.01
Whole commodity after removal of shellThe ML applies to almonds "ready to eat" (**). For sampling plan see Annex 2
Almonds
0.015
Whole commodity after removal of shell.The ML applies to almonds intended for further processing (*) For sampling plan, see Annex 2.
Brazil nuts
0.01
Whole commodityThe ML applies to shelled Brazil nuts ready-to-eat (**). For sampling plan, see Annex 2.
Brazil nuts
0.015
Whole commodityThe ML applies to shelled Brazil nuts intended for further processing (*) For sampling plan, see Annex 2.
Dried figs
0.01
Whole commodityThe ML applies to dried figs ready-to-eat. Ready-to-eat means: not intended to undergo an additional processing/treatment that has proven to reduce levels of aflatoxins before being used as ingredient in foodstuffs, otherwise processed or offered for human consumption. For sampling plan see Annex 3.
Hazelnuts
0.015
Whole commodity after removal of shell.The ML applies to hazelnuts, also known as filberts, intended for further processing (*) For sampling plan, see Annex 2.
Hazelnuts
0.01
Whole commodity after removal of shell.The ML applies to hazelnuts, also known as filberts, "ready to eat" (**) For sampling plan, see Annex 2.
Peanuts
0.015
Unless specified, seed or kernels, after removal of shell or husk.The ML applies for peanuts, also known as groundnuts, intended for further processing (*). For sampling plan, see Annex 1.
Pistachios
0.01
Whole commodity after removal of shellThe ML applies to pistachios "ready to eat" (**). For sampling plan, see Annex 2.
Pistachios
0.015
Whole commodity after removal of shell.The ML applies to pistachios intended for further processing (*) For sampling plan, see Annex 2
(*) "destined for further processing" means intended to undergo an additional processing/treatment that has proven to reduce levels of aflatoxins before being used as an ingredient in foodstuffs, otherwise processed or offered for human consumption. Processes that have proven to reduce levels of aflatoxins are shelling, blanching followed by colour sorting, and sorting by specific gravity and colour (damage). There is some evidence that roasting reduces aflatoxins in pistachios but for other nuts theevidence is still to be supplied.
(**) "ready-to-eat" means not intended to undergo an additional processing/treatment that has proven to reduce levels of aflatoxins before being used as ingredient in foodstuffs, otherwise processed or offered for human consumption.

ANNEXES
Annex 1 SAMPLING PLAN FOR TOTAL AFLATOXINS IN PEANUTS INTENDED FOR FURTHER PROCESSING
Annex 2 SAMPLING PLANS FOR AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION IN READY-TO-EAT TREENUTS AND TREENUTS DESTINED FOR FURTHER PROCESSING: ALMONDS, HAZELNUTS, PISTACHIOS AND SHELLED BRAZIL NUTS
Annex 3 SAMPLING PLAN FOR AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION IN DRIED FIGS